Latest news with #biologists
Forbes
4 days ago
- General
- Forbes
A Biologist Spotlights The World's Most Aggressive Bird. Hint: It's Flightless, It's Not The Ostrich, And It's Been Known To Kill People
In the case of flightless birds, the biggest isn't always the most terrifying. It is the ... More third-biggest flightless bird that you really need to be wary of. When we think of flightless birds, aggressive is probably not the word that comes to mind. We might think of a peacock calmly roaming the perimeter of a zoo (peacocks, however, aren't true flightless birds – they are capable of flying for short distances). We might think of the unfortunate dodo of Mauritius. This was a bird so docile and unafraid of environmental threats it was hunted out of existence in less than 100 years. Or, we might think of the ostrich. The ostrich, the world's biggest flightless bird, does pose some threat to humans. There are documented cases of people being kicked by the ostrich's powerful legs, resulting in serious injuries. But the bird we really need to be careful around – assuming you live in northern Australia or the New Guinea region – is the cassowary. Here's its story and why it can be so dangerous to humans. A southern cassowary strides through the dense rainforest of Queensland, Australia. The cassowary is a bird that looks like it stepped out of the Cretaceous period. Standing up to six feet tall and weighing as much as 130 pounds, it is undoubtedly an imposing figure. Its glossy black feathers resemble a coarse cloak. On top of its head rests a helmet-like casque – a keratin structure whose exact function remains debated. Some biologists suggest it helps with navigating dense forest or amplifies the cassowary's deep, rumbling calls. Cassowaries are notoriously territorial, especially the females, who are larger and more aggressive than the males. They defend their domain fiercely and are not afraid to charge when they feel threatened. The real danger lies in their legs. Each foot has three toes, the inner one armed with a dagger-like claw up to five inches long. These claws aren't just for show, they are powerful weapons, capable of inflicting deep gashes or even fatal injuries. There are numerous documented cases of cassowaries attacking humans. The most infamous incident occurred in 1926, when a 16-year-old boy was reportedly killed by a cassowary after attempting to club it. While fatal encounters are exceedingly rare, serious injuries are not. In Australia, wildlife officers have had to develop protocols for safely managing these birds, particularly in areas where humans and cassowaries frequently cross paths. (Sidebar: While few birds rival the cassowary's power on land, one rules the skies. Meet the world's strongest flying bird – it can, and does, attack humans too.) It's not just aggression that makes cassowaries stand out. It also their speed and agility. These birds can sprint up to 30 miles per hour and leap five feet into the air. They can swim well too, making them even more formidable in their dense rainforest habitat. Cassowaries are highly territorial birds and will fiercely defend their range from intruders. Why are they so aggressive? One theory points to their solitary nature and high parental investment. Female cassowaries lay eggs, but it's the male who incubates them and raises the chicks alone. This solitary, protective behavior can translate into aggression when the bird feels cornered or surprised. In areas where cassowaries come into contact with humans – like trails, suburban edges or tourist sites – conflict can escalate quickly. Conservationists stress that cassowaries are not villains. Their aggression is a natural defense mechanism. Furthermore, these birds play a critical role in their ecosystems by dispersing seeds of the plants they consume. Without cassowaries, some plant species might struggle to survive. Respect, not fear, is the key. Keeping a safe distance and avoiding feeding or provoking them helps ensure peaceful coexistence. Are you an animal lover who owns a pet? Take the science-backed Pet Personality Test to know how well you know your little friend.
WIRED
29-05-2025
- Health
- WIRED
Hummingbirds Are Evolving to Adapt to Life With Humans
May 29, 2025 5:00 AM Anna's hummingbirds have evolved to have longer, larger beaks to access backyard feeders in urban areas. It could be a step toward becoming a 'commensal' species that lives alongside humans, like pigeons. A hummingbird drinking nectar from a feeder. Photograph: LAP/GETTY IAMGES Some species of hummingbird are adapting to urban life by undergoing evolutionary changes in their anatomy, influenced by the proliferation of artificial drinking fountains. According to some biologists, this might show that these birds are on their way to becoming commensal with humans—benefiting from living closely alongside them—like pigeons have in urban areas. A recent study found that the size and shape of the beaks of Anna's hummingbirds ( Calypte anna ), a species native to North America, have changed. A hummingbird's beak is naturally long and slender in order to access nectar located in deep inside flowers. However, in recent decades, the beaks of urban Anna's hummingbirds have evolved to be significantly longer and larger to better access sugar-laced drinking fountains installed outside of homes, which have proliferated in urban areas. This adaptation suggests that these feeders offer hummingbirds more food than nectar-filled flowers. The study, which looked at reported sightings of the birds as well museum specimens from the past 160 years, also found that males are developing sharper, more pointed beaks, possibly to compete with other hummingbirds for access to these sugar-filled fountains. Populations of these hummingbirds expanded northward in California at the same time as the establishment of urban centers where feeding could take place. The researchers discovered that the population density of Calypte anna has also increased over time, and found that this appears to be linked to the proliferation of feeding fountains and nectar-producing eucalyptus trees, both of which were introduced to the region by humans. These morphological changes to the hummingbirds have occurred rapidly. According to the study, Calypte anna populations in 1930 were very different from those in 1950, when the birds' bills had already begun to grow. In just 20 years, equivalent to about 10 generations of these birds, evolution left its mark, the authors note. To conduct the research, the team used sighting data for the species in all 58 Californian counties between 1938 and 2019, in addition to analyzing specimens preserved in museums. They also turned to old newspaper advertisements to estimate the number of feeders in use during the last century. Finally, they developed a computational model to predict hummingbird expansion, taking into account assisted feeding and the presence of eucalyptus trees. An Anna's hummingbird in flight.'They seem to be moving where we are going and changing quite rapidly to succeed in their new environments. We can think of the Anna's hummingbird as a commensal species, similar to pigeons,' says Nicolas Alexandre, coauthor of the study and a geneticist at Colossal Biosciences, a biotechnology and de-extinction company based in Dallas, Texas. Hummingbird feeders or drinkers use sugar water to attract hummingbirds and provide food during seasons when flower nectar is scarce. According to the journal Science, one of the oldest records of these devices dates back to 1928, although they were probably in use much earlier. In general, they do not pose a risk to the species, as long as they are cleaned regularly to avoid the proliferation of bacteria and fungi that can affect hummingbirds. Another species of bird, the common pigeon ( Columba livia ) has also adapted to living in cities. Pigeons can be found in urban spaces around the world, taking advantage of the plentiful nesting sites and food that cities have to offer. They exist in urban environments without having a significant impact on human activities, this being a clear example of commensalism, where one species gains advantages by linking with another without directly harming it. Columba livia originally inhabited rocky areas of Europe, Asia, and North Africa. However, it was domesticated more than 5,000 years ago as a source of food and due to its excellent sense of direction, which meant the birds could be used for carrying written messages. As a result, many were released into new habitats, with some choosing to live in cities, becoming part of the urban fauna. Today, they are one of the most common birds in the world. This story originally appeared on WIRED en Español and has been translated from Spanish.
Forbes
25-05-2025
- Science
- Forbes
Rabbits And Hares, Buffalo And Bison — A Biologist Sets The Record Straight On 8 Commonly Confused Animals
Distinguishing closely related animal species can sometimes feel like an exercise in semantics. But ... More there are real differences between even the most identical-looking animals. A biologist explains why. In the past half century, scientists have made significant strides in accurately mapping the tree of life. Take the orca, for example. Orcas have long been classified as one widespread species with multiple subpopulations. However, new research suggests that some of these subpopulations may be different enough to warrant reclassifying them as distinct mammal species. Advances in genetic testing is one of the key reasons why the tree of life is much better understood today than it was even twenty or thirty years ago. Better genomic sequencing technologies enable scientists to quickly identity the degree of evolutionary divergence and the relationships among lineages on the tree of life, which allow us to better classify them. These distinctions, though they may sometimes feel overly granular and unnecessary, are actually quite important. For one, they allow scientists to more precisely study the process of evolution. Having good data on the time sequence of genetic differentiation can help scientists answer questions like 'How long does it take one species to evolve into another?' or 'What environmental factors accelerate, or slow down, the process of evolution?' This knowledge enhances our understanding of speciation and extinction in the animal kingdom. Here are four pairs of closely related animals that non-experts might consider interchangeable — and the biological reason why they deserve their own name. It's important to remember that common names don't always reflect our evolving understanding of an organism's place in the tree of life. Don't let the name fool you, this jackrabbit isn't a rabbit at all, but a hare (genus Lepus), with ... More longer legs and ears adapted for speed and survival in open habitats. Hares and rabbits are both members of the Leporidae family, but they have distinct physical traits and behaviors that set them apart. Most lineages within this family have traditionally been called rabbits, while the term hares is usually applied to just one genus, Lepus. However, these common names can be deceptive, as there are some exceptions. For instance, the Asian hispid hare (Caprolagus hispidus) is actually a rabbit, while American jackrabbits (genus Lepus) are actually hares. Both animals are known for their powerful hind legs and long ears, which help them evade predators. However, hares are generally larger than rabbits and have longer legs and ears. Hares are also born fully furred and with their eyes open, a trait called precocial, whereas rabbits are born hairless, blind, and vulnerable, needing more parental care in the early stages of life. Hares tend to live in open fields or meadows and are solitary, while rabbits are more social and often live in burrows or warrens, which provide protection from predators. Their differing habitats and life strategies are a key reason for their distinct names, as these adaptations reflect divergent evolutionary paths and survival mechanisms. (Sidebar: In 1859, 24 rabbits 'colonized' a new continent — here's their story.) Hares are built for speed and agility, capable of outrunning most predators with powerful, long jumps. Their solitary nature and preference for open spaces contrast with rabbits' social structures and burrowing behavior. Evolutionarily, hares and rabbits diverged to occupy different ecological niches, leading to distinct physical characteristics and behaviors. Despite their common name, American bison aren't true buffalo. Buffalo and bison are both large, herbivorous mammals, often confused due to their similar appearances. However, they belong to different species and even distinct genera. True buffalo are native to the old world, which include the African buffalo and the Asian water buffalo. In contrast, bison are native to North America and Europe. The bison's large, hump-like shoulder, shaggy fur, and thick mane distinguish it from the smoother-coated buffalo. True buffalo also have more pronounced, curved horns, while bison's horns are shorter and more squared off. Despite their shared "buffalo" moniker, these physical differences highlight their adaptation to different environments, from the open plains of North America to the grasslands and wetlands of Africa and Asia. (Sidebar: Today's bison are small compared to the extinct giant bison — a colossal species that once roamed North America during the Pleistocene. Learn more here.) While both animals are large and social, their habitats and behaviors also differ significantly. Bison are typically found in North American grasslands, where they form large herds that graze on grasses, while buffalo are more commonly associated with tropical or subtropical climates, grazing in wetlands or forests. Bison have adapted to colder climates with thicker coats and a tendency to migrate in herds for protection, while buffalo are more accustomed to warmer environments. The distinct differences in their evolutionary history, physical traits, habitat preferences and behavior are sufficient to warrant different names. With its sleek body and pronounced beak-like snout, the bottlenose dolphin exemplifies the physical ... More and behavioral traits that distinguish dolphins from their porpoise relatives. Dolphins and porpoises are both marine mammals in the order Cetacea, but they belong to different families — dolphins are part of the Delphinidae family, while porpoises belong to the Phocoenidae family. One of the most notable differences between the two is their physical appearance. Dolphins tend to have a more streamlined body and a prominent, beak-like snout, while porpoises are generally smaller, stockier, and have a more rounded, blunt snout. Dolphins are often known for their playful behavior, acrobatic displays, and social interactions, whereas porpoises are more reserved and tend to avoid human interaction. Some species, like the common bottlenose dolphin, are widespread and globally distributed. Others are restricted to small geographic regions and face serious conservation threats. For example, the vaquita, a porpoise found only in the Gulf of California, is the world's smallest and most endangered living cetacean. Their differences in social structure and behavior play a crucial role in their survival strategies and ecological niches, with dolphins often occupying more coastal or open-water areas and porpoises preferring quieter, more sheltered habitats. Although both are intelligent and of a similar appearance, their unique behaviors and physiological traits make them deserving of separate names, as these distinctions highlight their evolutionary divergence and specialization. Common ravens, pictured here, are distinguished from crows by their larger size, wedge-shaped tails, ... More and deeper, croaking calls. Crows and ravens are both members of the Corvidae family, known for their intelligence and complex social structures. While they share many similarities, such as their adaptability to various habitats and omnivorous diets, they have key differences that set them apart. Ravens are generally larger, with wingspans reaching up to four feet, while crows are smaller, with a more compact build. Ravens also have a wedge-shaped tail, whereas crows have a fan-shaped tail. Vocalizations are another distinguishing feature; ravens produce a deep, croaking sound, while crows make a higher-pitched "caw." Ravens tend to be more solitary or live in pairs, while crows are highly social and often form large flocks. Ravens are more commonly found in remote, rugged areas such as mountains and forests, while crows are more adaptable to urban environments and agricultural areas. While both are highly intelligent and capable of problem-solving, their unique adaptations to various environments and their distinct vocalizations underscore why they are classified as separate. Are you an animal lover who owns a pet? Take the science-backed Pet Personality Test to know exactly how well you know your little friend.
CBC
19-05-2025
- Health
- CBC
Quebec program that keeps tabs on frog species is looking for more volunteers
The province's Amphibian Population Monitoring Program helps track common frog species across Quebec to better understand what areas should be prioritized for conservation. Biologists say it also helps determine whether an ecosystem is healthy.
CTV News
06-05-2025
- General
- CTV News
‘Tough times for salmon': Indigenous plan calls for federal funding
Miramichi Salmon Association president Butch Dalton (left), North Shore Mi'kmaq Tribal Council senior biologist Ethan Augustine (middle), and North Shore Mi'kmaq Tribal Council biologist and field technician Joe Augustine (right) are pictured on May 6, 2025. (CTV Atlantic/Derek Haggett)
